Making Sacred Spaces Safe for Everyone: Sacred Space Safe Access Grant

Introduction

Episcopal Community Services of New Jersey (ECS-NJ) is dedicated to meeting the diverse human needs served by congregations across the Diocese. Equally important, ECS-NJ serves as a vehicle to unite the people of the Diocese in promoting gospel justice and effective, impactful advocacy aimed at addressing the root causes of inequality and hardship.

Our grants are designed to strengthen and expand existing ministries of compassion and justice while making new ones possible. As part of our ongoing effort to support vulnerable populations, we are offering a grant to help address some of the current safety issues that congregations and ministries may be facing.

Purpose of the Grant

ECS-NJ and the Diocese of New Jersey, with the support of Diocesan Council, are providing grants up to $2500 per congregation for ministries and congregations that are currently serving or have the capacity to serve vulnerable communities that are facing safety concerns due to an increase in targeted fear and intimidation. Through this joint and mutual initiative, ECS-NJ and the Diocese of New Jersey seek to respond to current needs by helping to empower congregations to create secure and welcoming environments where individuals can access worship, food pantries, and other essential services with dignity and peace of mind.

Both ECS-NJ and the Diocese of New Jersey are committed to creating safe sacred spaces that are not only spiritually nurturing but also physically safe, affirming the Church’s role as a haven of hope, trust, and Gospel Justice.

Funding for the Sacred Space Safe Access grants is made possible by ECS-NJ and the Diocese of New Jersey with the support of Diocesan Council in the understanding that together we’re stronger.

Eligibility

Must be a congregation within the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey and demonstrate the capacity to implement the project and sustain its impact.

· The proposed project must directly serve vulnerable populations facing issues related to safety and personal security.

· Funds must be used to create or enhance safe, welcoming environments such as professional safety walkthrough and assessment, transportation of food resources, or other essential needs where individuals can worship and/or access services with confidence and security.

· The application must be signed by the Clergyperson or Warden if the Congregation does not currently have a Clergyperson

· The application must contain the name(s) and contact information for the person/persons leading the ministry so they may be contacted by a member of the ECS Grants Team

· The application must contain a budget itemizing the costs(s) associated with the grant

· Successful applicants will have 12 months to complete the project and submit a report to ECS detailing the accomplishments the grant allowed for

Application Process

Grantees are required to submit a brief report (e.g., 1500 words) identifying the need for safe space in your community or ministry, including challenges faced by the target population; proposed project including specific costs to be covered by the proposed grant; what impact the proposed project might have on participants and the community, and requested funding (up to $2,500). Applications will be equally reviewed by members of the ECS-NJ Grants Committee and Diocesan Council.

Priority will be given to applications submitted by June 15, 2025. Applications will be reviewed and recommended for funding on a rolling basis until all funds are committed. Applicants will be contacted by phone or in person by a member of the ECS-NJ Grants Committee to discuss the project.